PHOENIX, Arizona, USA -- AV Sport once again proved to be the leading privateer team in the U.S. when Tapio Laukkanen finished 2nd overall on the weekends Sno*Drift Rally.

Laukkanen, driving an older spec car, and with only a Group N engine, defeated the factory Subaru’s and was the only driver to offer a realistic challenge to eventual winner, and former AV Sport driver, David Higgins.

"Our car ran faultlessly, and I am delighted to come away from this difficult rally with 2nd place in a great start to the season," commented Laukkanen.

Shane Mitchell drove an exceptional event in his Group N, AV Sport prepared car. On only his second outing on ice, Mitchell, with fellow Irishman Paul Donnelly co-driving, drove superbly to 6th overall and 2nd in Group N. The Group N Championship and Subaru Cup are the young New Yorkers’ target for 2003.

Tim O’Neil debuted the all-new Air Force Reserve Ford Focus and immediately showed that he will be competitive in the open class. O’Neil, with co-driver Alex Gelsomino, were lying 3rd overall when a rare mistake left the Focus stuck in the snow.

A new open class car is currently being prepared for Rim of the World, and AV Sport boss Andy Brown is looking forward to the 2003 season.

"Our targets are just as high this year as they were last, and we are so lucky that all of our drivers are as competitive as we are."

Mike Anderson
AV Sport
www.avsport.net
602-431-9357
fax 602-426-0876